Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
The late Middle Pleistocene ichnosite of Funtana Morimenta (Gonnesa, Italy) provides a relevant scientific and didactic interest. In this site, tracks of megacerine deer and dwarf mammoths of the Ice Age are well-preserved and visible in situ. The geosite has also historic importance, and it has been mentioned since the beginning of the nineteenth century for the sedimentological features and its palaeontological content. For these reasons, the Funtana Morimenta ichnosite would represent an efficient tool for developing educational goals, such as teaching activities or field trips. Unfortunately, in the last years, it has shown significant deterioration because its sedimentological features (poorly cemented aeolian sandstone) made it susceptible to weathering. For this site to be available for future generations, great attention should be posed to its safeguard and avoid the permanent disappearance of what is currently a full-fledged natural and scientific resource. The conservation actions herein proposed will provide several benefits: they are meant to (i) valorize the aeolian deposits and the visible ichnofossils; (ii) show visitors, tourists, or students the geo-palaeontological richness of the territory; (iii) encourage tourists to explore the other numerous geosites spread in the island of Sardinia; and (iv) allow private entrepreneurs or local public administrations to develop economic opportunities.
Highlights
Geosites provide a useful and very important contribution to the understanding of the geological history of a given area and have exceptional importance as regards scientific, cultural, and recreational aspects
Palaeontology is probably one of the most suitable disciplines to be divulged to the general public and can provide the starting point for initiatives aimed at the protection and divulgation of the geological heritage of a determinate territory
Considering the peculiar fossil biota found in the site, we suggest a series of life-size silhouettes of the dwarf Sardinian mammoth to be placed in
Summary
Geosites provide a useful and very important contribution to the understanding of the geological history of a given area and have exceptional importance as regards scientific, cultural, and recreational aspects. The enhancement of geo-palaeontological heritage aims to promote protection and preservation, disclosing scientific data for use and enjoyment of the whole society, bringing this discipline to the general public (Henriques and Pena dos Reis 2015; Berrocal-Casero et al 2018; Meléndez 2018). For these reasons, governments should protect and valorize the geo-palaeontological sites as it occurs to other tourist attractions (Melinte-Dobrinescu et al 2017; Audije-Gil et al 2018; Cobos and Alcalá 2018; Cobos et al 2020; Vasconcelos et al 2020). Numerous spectacular palaeontological sites with dinosaurs or other vertebrate tracks
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
